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"We are on the cusp of understanding all of the effects of THC and CBD on the brain, although it is a little early to definitively state what is or isn't affected during exposure in development. However, some research suggests that early exposure of THC to the brain can increase chances of schizophrenia and affect motor development."

Marijuana use can also affect:

memory

sensations, such as the appearance of colors

body movement

thinking and problem solving

The drug is illegal in many places, but legal to use for medical purposes in some parts of the U.S. It is legal for recreational use in a small number of countries.

People may use medical marijuana to treat nausea, pain, and muscle spasticity.

However, not all of the studies in the analysis showed a connection between marijuana use and low birth weight.

The researchers also found that babies born to women who had used marijuana during pregnancy were more likely to require a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, compared with those who had not been exposed to the drug.

A 2017 study of prenatal marijuana exposure and behavior in children also found a link to lower birth weight, especially in women who smoked cigarettes as well as marijuana.

Stillbirth risk

The researchers tested blood samples from the women and the umbilical cords. They determined that marijuana use was associated with a 2.3 times higher risk of stillbirth.

However, the researchers cautioned that it was difficult to separate the effects of smoking marijuana and tobacco. People often use the substances together, and tobacco can cause pregnancy complications.

Research challenges

Ethical issues make it difficult for researchers to study the effects of smoking weed during pregnancy.

Modern, large-scale studies on marijuana use and pregnancy do not exist because there are many ethical issues concerning the study of pregnant women and developing babies.

For example, it would be unethical to study the effects of marijuana by asking a group of pregnant participants to use the drug.

If the babies of these women had any congenital abnormalities or developmental problems, the researchers would be at fault for harming them.

As a result, most existing research involves women who reported using marijuana during pregnancy.

Marijuana for pregnancy nausea

Some doctors prescribe medical marijuana to treat chemotherapy-related nausea, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) report that some women use marijuana as a means to combat pregnancy-induced nausea.

However, no research exists to prove that this is a safe or effective practice.

Also, nausea tends to occur in the earlier stages of pregnancy, when the drug is more likely to affect the developing fetus.

It is best to talk to a doctor about safe ways to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Edibles and vaping

Beyond smoking, some people use cannabis by vaping or consuming edibles, which are foods that contain the drug.

These forms of marijuana do not contain the harmful substances in tobacco, but the CDC say that they are still not safe to use.

These products contain active THC and other chemicals, and the medical community has yet to determine their effects on a fetus.

Outlook

The CDC, NIDA, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists do not recommend using marijuana during pregnancy.

While some studies have concluded that marijuana has no effects on a fetus, other studies have linked prenatal use with low birth weight and an increased risk of stillbirth. Therefore, doctors recommend avoiding it altogether.

If a pregnant woman is using marijuana and finding it challenging to quit, she should speak to a doctor or seek professional support elsewhere.

Women in the U.S., for example, can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 24-hour treatment referral line at 800-662-HELP (4357).

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